ANDREW W.K.
"The
Wolf" (Island; 2006)
Reviewed by Snidermann
Andrew WK's sophomore release, "The Wolf" on Island Records, is everything you love about AWK. Good songs written about what's important in life: partying, music and sex.
The music of "The Wolf" is true Andrew WK, but I found this CD a little overproduced and, frankly, sounding more like a Moody Blues or Peter Gabriel CD than an Andrew WK release. Come on, guys - your first release was a big hit and your record company threw money at you so you decided to make a release with all the bells and whistles. Just remember, just because you can, doesn't mean you should.
The brilliance of Andrew WK still shines through despite all the overproduction and you can tell that the trademark Andrew WK music is basically there - it's just a bit hidden. "The Wolf" showcases Andrew WK's unique talent on piano and that performance clearly excels in this recording. But enough is enough. I hope that that showcasing is out of their systems and their next release is just Andrew and the guys in a garage or basement somewhere with some basic recording equipment making some rock'n'roll that is pure and simple.
I saw Andrew WK at the Warped Tour 2003 (see our review) and I must tell you, this band loves to do what they do and it shows. I got caught in a mosh pit for the first time in about twenty years and I fucking loved it. I expect great things from AWK in the future and I can't wait to see them live again (although this time I think I'll stay clear of the mosh pit).
"The Wolf" may be more sophisticated than "I Get Wet" but it simply isn't as much fun.
Performing on "The Wolf" are: Gregg Roberts - bass guitar; Jimmy Coup - guitar (who I met at while I was working at Kinko's, no shit); Frank Werner - guitar; Erik Payne - guitar; Donald Tardy - drums and, of course, Andrew WK - vocals and keyboards.
For more information, check out http://www.andrewwk.com.
"I
Get Wet" (Island; 2006)
Reviewed by Snidermann
When I first heard Andrew W.K.'s "Party Hard" on MTV, I thought if only half of the tunes are like that, I would like this CD. So I got the CD and guess what? All the songs are like that: chord-based, minimal lead guitar, major keyboards and a bunch of guys screaming hard rock anthems
"Party" is the keyword when it comes to Andrew W.K. Good time music, nothing too deep (or nothing deep at all). Every song is about partying, girls and having a good time. It may not be art but how can it not be cool? You gotta like a band with a song called "Party Till You Puke." Simply fucking cool.
For
more information, check out http://www.andrewwk.com.
Rating Guide:
A classic. This record will kick your ass.
Killer. Not a classic but it will rock your world.
So-so. You've heard better.
Pretty bad. Might make a nice coaster.
Self explanatory. Just the sight of the cover makes you wanna hurl.
Copyright © 2003 by R. Scott Bolton. All rights reserved.
